Artist Development Archives - Five Twenty Co., LLC

Be…lieve? Believe.

Happy 2022 (three months in, already)!!!

Yes, we know this year has gotten off to a grand start: continued pandemic behavior, the spit hitting the fan, wars and rumors of war, and more falling away from The Faith (all things prophesied in the Bible, but no less difficult to see played out in living color). All that being said, art hasn’t stopped being created. It is being more sought after now than ever as people are either looking to be ministered to and encouraged, or to escape altogether.

The people need the music and we as artists need to be ready.

One of the under discussed aspects of Gospel music, whether it be CHH or CCM, contemporary Gospel or Rhythm and Praise, is the amount of Faith found therein.

When I say Faith, let me be clear, not the amount of Faith that the content encourages, but the amount of Faith driving the artist making the content.

Far too often, we find artists falling by the wayside. Their personal or individual development takes a backseat to their talent and fandom. The result? Indiscretions and underdeveloped character come to the forefront. Because they weren’t addressed in private, they become fodder in public. Even worse (as if that’s possible), over time what’s at the root of the disinterested interviews and social media postings becomes apparent…the artist doesn’t believe in the content they’re creating.

Not buying it? Why is that such a huge leap to make??

Even JESUS warned against hirelings (John 10:12-13), folks treating the job of ministry like a job instead of ministry.

People who weren’t called to do the job, doing a job instead of walking in a calling. The two are not the same. If a pastor or preacher can just be working a job, why not an artist? That would mean that there are folks who are singing The Gospel who don’t really believe in it? Yeeeeeep.

The sooner we act like this is a reality, the quicker we can be about examining ourselves. To be sure of where we stand and making sure it’s not a part of our reality (2 Cor.13:5).

We often, from a strategy standpoint, make much about being able to connect with one’s audience.

Sadly, though, much like those in the secular music fields, our attempts to get our listeners to buy a Faith we haven’t bought ourselves becomes a gimmick. I hate that there are a few names that come to mind.

What’s the takeaway from all of this? Simple.

The best thing we as artists can do for our audience is believe. Be completely sold out for the Faith and confidence and hope that we convey.

That’s what the stories are missing. That’s the connection. My Faith in GOD doesn’t just serve me, it’s what sells my listener.

I can tell you about how good GOD is, but when I can show you because I know for myself? That hits different.

We’ve got to learn how to go through things and stop trying to avoid the trials that make us, or else this is the fruit we’re left with on our tree. The same fruit of fear, comfortability, complacency, and self-worship we want those who support us to digest. We owe them the same perseverance we’re pushing.

If I believe in what I’m offering (if I’m not just a spokesman, but I’m also a client), then I will go out of my way to protect and nurture that belief.

At the end of the day, when there’s no audience or platform, no mic, no speakers, no beats, no cameras, no filters or reels, that Faith is what’s going to keep me.

We have to be about the business of pushing more than just a hot sixteen, fire tracks, and hooks. We’ve got to push the substance that will provide our listeners with the hope they need. In these trying times, challenge us to be more than just artists (another story for another time…😁). If the Faith is secure, so will the content be.

Fam. Believe.

I love y’all,

Be Still.

Ok, so I know the last time we dropped one of these, we touched on being patient and the benefits of allowing that patience to help an artist discover their identity, musically, and organically. This isn’t the same.

Be Still.

If we’re not careful, chaos can drown out the voice of GOD.

Daily to-do lists, life, the regular routine, and the unexpected. If not responded to correctly, these things can zap our zeal for even wanting to do what GOD has called and gifted us to. Additionally, being already a part of an industry that moves seemingly at the speed of light, with changing trends, sounds, and waves, can be overwhelming. We may know what pop culture is saying. We may know what life is saying based on what’s happening at the surface. But what is GOD saying??

Be Still.

Here’s a great reminder from the WORD of GOD:

Luke 10:38-42 (KJV)

[38]Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

[39]And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

[40]But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

[41]And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

[42]But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

This story of JESUS’ interaction with Mary and Martha is a perfect example of stark contrast.

Martha, in her being busy and doing what made sense (and in some instances, things that needed to be done), thought she was doing what the LORD would have wanted her to, what was important.

Mary, unlike her sister, wanted to simply sit and glean from JESUS, which JESUS noted was a good thing.

We can be so busy doing that we miss what GOD is really desiring and requiring of us!

For artists, this is important because, sadly, the marketplace is full of artists doing what other artists are doing. With the rate that things move, and with the appearance of busy equaling better, it can be easy to disregard and misconstrue the importance and the value of a more calculated, deliberate approach. A “let me sit at the feet of JESUS and get some direction” approach.

There’s a ton of benefits, including separation from everyone else out there, that comes from sitting before spitting. Remember, the goal of these posts is to develop the artist who will in turn develop the art.

When the foundation is sure, so is the process. When the process is sure, so is the product. We’re best served in every area of life, ministerially and creatively, when we prioritize being still so GOD can lead. Learning to be still will always be the precursor to periods of the right activity. These days, it’s better to be led and sent than to just go.

Be Still.

GOD bless.

Ok, so…I’m no stranger to risk-taking.

I’m going to throw one word out here that may get me cursed out, cancelled, or both (neither of which should exist in our space, but that’s another post for another time!).

Here goes:

Wait

Told you. That’s counter culture.

But as much as that word is offensive to a society that thrives on instant gratification and right-now satisfaction, learning to wait (to be patient) is a necessary key that an artist who represents the Kingdom of GOD and the Body of CHRIST must have in their wheelhouse.

Why? Why do I, or should I, wait? What am I waiting on??

Well, first I need to wait and see if this is what GOD has me intended for, even if it’s for a season.

Romans 12:7 (consider starting at vs 1 of this chapter):

“Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;”

Secondly, once I find out that this is a vehicle the LORD has licensed me to drive, I need to wait on HIS release to do so. Ability doesn’t equate to commission.

Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. –Isaiah 48:16

Lastly, and here’s the part that A LOT of artists don’t get the depth of, I need to be patient with myself…as an artist.

You see, artistry develops as the person does.

Talent is usually a misnomer. It can be obviously evident, but can also be misleading and deceptive. Talent doesn’t speak to depth, sound, construct, character – these are things that take patience in developing. We need to grow into ourselves as an artist. Allow ourselves to watch it come into manifestation.

It can take one album, it can take albums, to uncover what’s been building underneath all along.

You may know your audience out the gate, but your sound may not come until later. It’s similar to growing into your body, the ability is there, but the hybrid of talent and approach and wisdom is one that only comes with experience. Experience is not just going through, but growing through, that requires patience.

Gospel, Christian, CHH artists – wait on the LORD. Be patient.

I love y’all,

After a Month Long Hiatus, #NBBARadio is back with this week’s episode, Don’t Call It A Comeback! But being away for a month just reminded us, that we need to rest, and how important rest is, so we decide to go in about Spiritual and Physical rest. Why are both necessary? When and if, we should take breaks away from our ministry? And much more, some very hard hitting lessons in this topic, we also have a revelation moment catered around the Science of Creation! You’ll love it.

In our Artist Development segment, keeping this entire show Rest Affiliated, we talk about Taking a Step Back. When as an artist, should we take a step back from creating music? We also talk about, does lack of production equal a poor work ethic, or does a resemble an artist that understands creating out of rest, and much more. We pray this topic helps you.

Last but not least, this week’s playlist:
– I Need You in My Life by Rich Righteous
– Mad World by Abidez
– Ha-Lay-Lu by Sha Sha Muzik
– God by Humble 1 feat. JCain
– Air Play feat. SAGE, Enon and D Thomas
– Hold On [Remix] by Bobby Phoenix feat. Cypha
– Married to the Lamb by Pacaso Ramirez
– How We Get It by Salt of the Earth
– How Can Jesus Love Me by Deborah Denise

Make sure to check out more of the best in Independent Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop and Contemporary Gospel, interviews and more on www.officialnbbaministries.com or www.faithministrymusic.com.

In this episode of #NBBARadio, Pacaso & Kingdom Taking are joined by Special Guest Cypha Ixous as they chop it up about #UnitedWeStand. This is a hash tag that Not By Bread Alone has been using to show folks the reason we support the way that we do. We talk about multiple facets of unity, from building stable and efficient teams. The motives of people that fail to build teams. How God reminds us to rest and delegate, and much more.

In our Artist Development segment, we interview Cypha Ixous, we found out how he got started in Christian Hip Hop, and what drew him to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. We talk about what ministry means to him, and his biggest accomplishments. We also found out what Cypha’s Message is for Christian Hip Hop as a whole and what he would say to up and coming artists, and much more. To find out more about Cypha Ixous, or to hear more from him, please visit: jointhacypha.com/.

Last but not least, our playlist:
– Summer of Crowns by Cypha Ixous
– C.H.H. by Milliyon
– Squad by Cypha Ixous
– We Need Him by Cy Proctor
– Young and Saved by Cypha Ixous
– Take That Tie Off by Russ Shanks feat. Tiffany Jeffers
– Get Em by Cypha Ixous feat. Prince Judah
– Another Man (Remix) by 6 & 33
– Don’t Do by Brand New Toi

Make sure to check out more of the best in Independent Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop and Contemporary Gospel, interviews and more on www.officialnbbaministries.com or www.faithministrymusic.com.

In this episode of #NBBARadio, Pacaso & Kingdom Taking discuss Comfortable Christianity. We discuss some of the actions of past saints that answer the question, should Christians be comfortable. We discuss how Christians view their faith vs. how they should view their faith, and much more.

In our Artist Development Segment, we discuss the Verbal Assault on Hip Hop. We break down some Hip Hop History, Hip Hop Culture. We discuss what Hip Hop should be, and what it’s not. Definitely an eye opening segment on Hip Hop in general. Don’t miss it.

Last but not least, our playlist:
– This Fire By Asheesh GodsMc
– Only Human by Nesfa feat. Tornado 418
– Set A Fire by Deuce Tre feat. Pyrexx
– Hakuna Akaita Semi by C.O.G.
– Struggling Sometimes by Brutha War
– Rainstorm by Presise
– A Million Tearz by Rapture Raps
– I’m Ready by Russ Shanks feat. Scope & Brianna Rae
– All Hail The King by King David tha Vessel feat. Nikeya Young, Brother 3 and Shannae Lenore

Make sure to check out more of the best in Independent Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop and Contemporary Gospel, interviews and more on www.officialnbbaministries.com or www.faithministrymusic.com.

On this week’s episode of #NBBARadio, we tackle the topic Navigating Through Evil, and we are joined by Special Guest Michael Haze. We talk about the misconceptions of what people believe evil is, and what it actually is. How to encourage someone and/or yourself when dealing with evils, how to properly fight for ourselves when cornered with evil and much more.

Next, on our Artist Development segment, we interview our guest Michael Haze, and talk about how a Lecrae Concert changed his perspective on Christian Rap, and his passionate stance on the term Christian Rap. We also talk about Michael’s appearance, and ask if he’s ever been typecasted or found it hard to be respected because of his appearance, and much more. If you wish to hear more from Michael Haze, please visit: @michaelhazee, www.facebook.com/ian.hayes.33, or twitter.com/BibleOnTheDashh.

Last but not least, our playlist:
– Tomorrow Isn’t Promised by Michael Haze
– Bars of Blades by Enon
– Homie Instead by Michael Haze
– Beauty by Inner Light
– Yeshua by Michael Haze feat. Intellect
– Mic In My Hand by EmtyHipHop
– Rough Seas by Michael Haze feat. Peazy
– Focus by Pray
– You Don’t Know by Justin Shaw

Make sure to check out more of the best in Independent Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop and Contemporary Gospel, interviews and more on www.officialnbbaministries.com or www.faithministrymusic.com.

In this weeks episode of #NBBARadio – We tackle a sensitive yet intriguing topic in Feminine Masculinity. We talk about a hunch that the government is pumping the homosexuality agenda into the inner city, and minority groups as a means for population control. We also explore a word that is slowly leaking into our daily clothing designers and much more, find out what this word is, and much more.

In our Artist Development segment, we discuss Selfless & Selfish Promotion. We talk about our thoughts on the internet killing the means of pushing a demo to actually putting the power into the artists’ hands. We also talk about spamming post, and the best way to build a potential following, and much more.

Last but not least, our playlist:
– Endless Bars by Sage.Muzik
– Pride by Jezreel
– Calvin’s Revenge by Calvin Martyr
– Rally Up by Alias, Lady Script, Wrecktify, The Disciple. The Equilizer
– House in Order by New Jeruse
– Not Tonight by P.O.E.T.
– He’s Worthy by Stacey Black
– It Is Well With My Soul by Th3rdClass
– In You Alone by David Singleten

Make sure to check out more of the best in Independent Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop and Contemporary Gospel, interviews and more on www.officialnbbaministries.com or www.faithministrymusic.com.

On this episode of Not By Bread Alone Radio, we are joined by special guest Low Key, as we discuss what it means to have Progressive Faith. We further clarify why we should move beyond our first initial belief in Christ, and why sticking to the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so vital, and much more.

In our Artist Development segment, we interview Low Key, and find out about his testimony, and how he got his name. We also find out how perceives the power of the platform to rap for Christ is, and something about Chess or Checkers, but you’ll have to tune in to find out. If you wish to follow Low Key, please visit: twitter.com/sagwuent, www.facebook.com/sagwu, www.instagram.com/sagwu101/.

Last but not least, our playlist:
– Overdrive by Low-Key
– All They Know by David Psalms
– Don’t Play Around by Low-Key
– Monster by Jordan Rivers & J.Liles
– Iron Sharpens Iron by Low-Key
– These Streets by The Christian Boyz
– Who You Foolin’ by Low-Key
– We All Fall by Mr. C-N.I.L.E. feat. Lynee Michelle
– Genuflection by Enon feat. Crystal J & C.O.G.

Make sure to check out more of the best in Independent Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop and Contemporary Gospel, interviews and more on www.officialnbbaministries.com or www.faithministrymusic.com.

On this episode of #NBBARadio, we are joined by special guest T.R.O.M.P. as we discuss what it means to go Past Belief Unto Salvation. We ask questions, like is only having faith in Christ, good enough for your salvation? What are Christians missing in their walk, and much more!

Secondly, in our Artist Development segment, we interview T.R.O.M.P., we find out what his name means. He breaks down one of most recent songs Vellucci, and he tells us what to expect from him in the near future, and much more. If you wish to know more about T.R.O.M.P., please follow him @ www.facebook.com/thistromp.

Last but not least, our playlist:
– Lord I Need Your Help by T.R.O.M.P. feat. Jeremiah Anderson & Nia Funso
– House In Order by New Jeruse
– Sign Language by T.R.O.M.P.
– Needy by Th3rdClass
– Vellucci by T.R.O.M.P.
– Overdrive by Low-Key
– DTL by T.R.O.M.P.
– One Two by Dimelo feat. So Imperial & S. Craven
– Intercession by T.R.O.M.P. feat. Rev. Nate Hill

Make sure to check out more of the best in Independent Christian Rap, Christian Hip Hop and Contemporary Gospel, interviews and more on www.officialnbbaministries.com or www.faithministrymusic.com.

Tag: Artist Development

The people need the music and we as artists need to be ready.

Not buying it? Why is that such a huge leap to make??

The sooner we act like this is a reality, the quicker we can be about examining ourselves. To be sure of where we stand and making sure it’s not a part of our reality (2 Cor.13:5).

If I believe in what I’m offering (if I’m not just a spokesman, but I’m also a client), then I will go out of my way to protect and nurture that belief.

Be Still.

Wait

Lastly, and here’s the part that A LOT of artists don’t get the depth of, I need to be patient with myself…as an artist.

Quick Links

The people need the music and we as artists need to be ready.

Not buying it? Why is that such a huge leap to make??

The sooner we act like this is a reality, the quicker we can be about examining ourselves. To be sure of where we stand and making sure it’s not a part of our reality (2 Cor.13:5).

If I believe in what I’m offering (if I’m not just a spokesman, but I’m also a client), then I will go out of my way to protect and nurture that belief.

Related Posts

Be Still.

Related Posts

Wait

Lastly, and here’s the part that A LOT of artists don’t get the depth of, I need to be patient with myself…as an artist.

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Related Posts

Quick Links